The Alpena Lions Club will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a two-day weekend of service, entertainment and community gatherings Oct. 16-17. The schedule includes a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club, a family celebration at McRae Park and a formal banquet at the APlex.
Chartered on Nov. 22, 1926, the club has maintained a community-service focus throughout its history. Its projects have included building tennis courts during its first year and, more recently, adopting a city park.
The anniversary also highlights the club’s connection to Lions International, whose missions include vision, hearing, environmental protection, pediatric cancer, diabetes, hunger, humanitarian services and disaster relief.
Weekend events begin with fundraiser
The celebration will begin Friday, Oct. 16, at the Friendship Room with a fundraiser benefiting the Boys & Girls Club. Organizers describe the family-friendly event as a “Disco Night” designed to be enjoyable for everyone.
On Saturday, the club will host a community celebration at McRae Park featuring games and other activities. Lions members will conduct KidSight vision screening and work with the Boys & Girls Club on a service project at the park.
“Teaming up with Boy & Girls Club was a natural for us,” Past District Governor Steve Murch said. “We’re both celebrating 100 years in Alpena this year, and both organizations are trying to make a positive difference in our community.”
Banquet will feature former international president
The weekend will conclude with an anniversary banquet Saturday at the APlex. Brian Sheehan, who served as Lions International president in 2022-23, will deliver the keynote address. Sheehan is from Bird Island, Minnesota, and is described by the club as a former international president known for an engaging personality and commitment to service.
“To be able to have a past international president come to Alpena and celebrate with our club is an honor,” Past District Governor Dave Zeller said. “Brian is an engaging and inspiring speaker, and I look forward to seeing him here. He exemplifies our motto, We Serve.”
The banquet gala begins at 5 p.m., with dinner scheduled for 6 p.m. The Besser Male Chorus also will perform. Tickets cost $45 per person, and registration is available through Friends of the Alpena Lions on Facebook. Those registering by mail may send checks to Alpena Lions Club, P.O. Box 324, Alpena, MI 49707. The registration deadline is Oct. 1.
A century of local membership
Zeller has been a Lions member for 50 years. He is one of 10 men and one woman from the Alpena Lions Club to serve as district governor, according to the club’s announcement.
The organization says its membership includes multiple generations of Alpena residents. Club President Audra Smith said the anniversary is an opportunity to recognize the community’s role in supporting the Lions’ work.
“We are excited about the upcoming anniversary celebration,” club President Audra Smith said. “We wouldn’t be able to do the service we do in Alpena without the support and generosity of the community, and we can’t wait to celebrate with our friends and neighbors.”
For additional information, organizers listed Murch as a contact at Steve [email protected].